Overview

The module explores the construction of cultural identity in visual culture, through analysis of a range of contemporary Catalan, Basque and Galician films, from the mid 1960s to present day. It draws on theories of the nation and nationalism and how these can be applied to film studies and national cinema in particular, through a variety of topics including a) the Catalan cinematic tradition, the second avant-gardes and the Barcelona School of Film; b) the multiplicity of identities on the screen (gender, sexuality, racial, ethnic, regional, urban and transnational); c) memory and the recovery and reconstruction of history; d) trauma and territory; and e) post-ETA films.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- - D+: For the award of credit, students should demonstrate a satisfactory comprehension of the various topics studied, with some understanding of the correlations and interrelations highlighted. -good -C- - B+: For the award of higher grades, students should demonstrate a solid comprehension of the various topics studied, with clear understanding of the correlations and interrelations highlighted, having also analysed and evaluated key sources. -excellent -A- - A*: For the award of the highest grade, students should demonstrate a detailed comprehension of the various topics studied, with a nuanced understanding of the correlations and interrelations highlighted, having also analysed and evaluated key sources thoroughly.

Learning Outcomes

• Conduct close textual reading of core films. Analysis should draw on film studies theory and cinematic techniques as well as on historical contextual studies of contemporary Spain and its nations.

• Conduct in-depth critical analysis of Catalan, Basque and Galician socio-political contexts.

• Engage critically with historical and cultural processes as well as artistic movements relevant to the period spanning from mid-1960s to early twenty-first century Spain and its nations.

• Evaluate deployment of key cinematic genres, concepts and techniques in the films studied.